David: Thanx for posting that info. I've been waiting for your reply (or someone's) for well over a year now! I had picked up a little Dongan transformer with a set of trains that I bought. I had never seen that name nor heard of the brand, before.
I've been bringing that transformer to shows for the last few years, not really trying to sell it, but to just find out more about it. Your reference certainly filled me in. I guess that the company was not as small nor as obscure as I thought. So, now newly educated, I will place the transformer on a shelf in my train room as a part of my collection. Not worth much, I would reckon, but nonetheless rather interesting and a good conversation starter.
In the days when vacuum tubes were used in all electronic devices, transformers were pretty widely manufactured by a number of different companies. My former Father in Law was VP of the largest of those companies, Stancor, located in Chicago but with locations in other parts of the country. He had learned the transformer manufacturing business in his native Australia and was brought to this country for his expertise. When transistors came into general use, there was no longer any need for the power transformers and within a few short years the old Stancor company was virtually gone.
Paul Fischer
Paul & David:
I have an old Dongan transformer, too. It’s rated at 100 watts and it has “Champion” on the nameplate. It has the 1-volt steps. I even have the original box for it. I haven’t tried plugging it in because the cord is frayed and I’m afraid to try it. I’ll post a photo when I get a chance. Maybe we can start the Dongan Transformer Collectors Club!
Bill
